A Dance with Fate - A Celestial Court Novel

Act 1 - Scene 2

On the morning before my twentieth birthday, I was rudely awoken by blinding sunlight. Cygnus flung open the heavy curtains. “For a Vampire, you really have a death wish.” I groaned.

“What’s a little sunburn if it gets you out of bed early. Gown fittings wait for no one!” he said with such excitement and ripped the covers off me exposing my naked body. “Well one less step for the couturier, put on a robe and meet us in the drawing-room.” he said while walking out of my bed chambers. 

“Fine but I’m going to complain the whole time!” I yelled. 

“That’s why I had my breakfast with wine!” 

“Is Breakfast the name of your new boytoy?”

“Toys.” He winked. 

My red silk robe trailed behind me as I slinked down to the drawing-room, I pushed open the doors and was greeted with the warmth of the fireplace. Along with my birthday, it’s also the full worm moon tomorrow, so the estate is still quite cold this time of year. I usually start my day training with the Lupus guards or patrolling the Territory. Playing dress-up is my nightmare. 

“Finally! My Ladyship, step on to the platform, I need to get your measurements. Quickly! You’re not the only Were that needs a Lunar gown, I’m the best couturier in the Territories, I have no time to waste!” Annalise said. 

I rolled my eyes “I don’t even want a dress; I don’t want to go to eight balls, I don’t want to look for my mate. Why can’t you just use your powers to send him to Lupus instead of using it to make dresses?” I demanded. “This is a waste of time; I have a Territory to run.” 

Cygnus held my hands as he said “Lilith, the stars don’t bless us with that knowledge. You won’t know your mate until you see them.” he always got so sentimental when he talked about the stars. 

“Then why can’t I just go to the final ball and meet the leftovers?” I said trying to find a loophole out of this tradition. It’s not like I’ve ever had any interest in a bruting Alqamar mad that he’s second to me. 

“Now my Ladyship, your privilege is showing. Not everyone can travel to every ball. Just because all the previous Alphas in your bloodline have had highborn mates doesn’t mean that yours will be. Plus, where's the fun without the glamours hunt?” Annalise smiled. She had a point, while every Territory was in the Celestial Court, not every being was invited to participate in the balls. The citizens usually hold their own version, almost like a festival, in the streets leading to the estates in hopes of finding a high-born mate.   

“Ugghhh fine, but I want my dress to easily come off if the need arises.” I growled. 

“For s*x?” Cygnus raised an eyebrow. 

“No! For battle! Maybe you can also make it lighter? It’s so hot in the Draco Territory.” I said like I’ve been before. I just remember my mother telling me about her Lunar ball season, how tight and constricting her dress was, with so many layers. She passed out in my father’s arms from the heat. 

“I have a design I was saving for something special, it’s very different than the current styles you see at court. I could make the bottom of the ball gown removable leaving a sheath with a slit making it very light and mobile. That solves both concerns.” Annalise said while measuring my bust. 

“That will also make you an even bigger center of attention. I can’t wait for everyone's jaws to drop.” Cygnus beamed. 

“What do you mean an even bigger center of attention?” I asked. 

“Lilith, you’re a recluse! No one outside the Lupus guards ever sees you, you don’t even attend court with me. Not only will people be staring at you because they’ve never seen you but you're also the highest born future Alpha in attendance, then add on the title of trendsetter with the guaranteed most inviting outfit whipped out at the final ball. Annalise, you better make her t**s look amazing; I’ll never see my little princess combatant in anything like this again. I’m going to commission a portrait and have the dress framed to commemorate the event!” Cygnus was practically dancing around me as he was instructing Annalise. I ran my hands through my hair, how did such an eccentric advisor get paired with my family? “You can use this to your advantage. Prove to the Celestial Court that you're a force to be reckoned with, command their attention. You want to be considered influential when the time comes for you to rally support to pass a law, or get anything done really. Can’t having you end up like the Alpha from Vela, they can’t get anything done.” Cygnus said while crossing his arms. 

“My Ladyship, I promise that you will look stunning, I will make sure that the gown amplifies your radiance.” Annalise looked up at me from her knees, measuring my hips. 

I bent down holding Annalise’s chin in between my thumb and forefinger “If this gown is garish, I will personally hunt you down and lock you up in the dungeons until you scream my name.” 

“Careful Lilith, that sounds like a good time to some people.” Cygnus peaked at me over a bolt of pink silk that he held in his hands. 

“If you put me in pink, you’ll be joining her Cygnus."

“Well now you’re just describing my weekend.” he said with an innocent smile. What a cheeky tramp.

“Why don’t we stop talking about my future mate, and start talking about yours?” I said trying to change the subject. 

“Oh darling, I’m only 104, my mate might not even be born yet! Also, I had Annalise make me eight outfits right after last ball season. Unlike you, I can’t wait to find my mate. But here I am, always a bridesmaid never the bride. Speaking of, now that Annalise has your measurements, she can start designing you a wedding gown.” Cygnus had the biggest grin, already planning the wedding of the century I’m sure. 

“You two are going to be the death of me.” I sighed. 

“Well, my Ladyship I have everything I need to conjure you the perfect ballgown, and as much as I’d love to chitchat if I stay any longer, I’ll be behind on my appointments the rest of the day! Oh, and Blessed Birthday.” She said while handing me a wrapped gift. “It’s just a little something, on the house.” She smiled and shifted into the air, leaving us for her next appointment. 

Cygnus was now lounging on the settee when he started clamouring for me to open the gift. I pulled the bow, releasing the contents. “A little something indeed.” I said while holding up a lace bustier and panty.

“Well, that saucy Mage may just make your dress garish on purpose.” Cygnus said while wiggling his brow. “At least she did what I asked, your t**s will look great in that. Alright! Time to plan your birthday dinner."

“What? No, no, no, we're not throwing a dinner, it’s a normal day. I’m going to wake up, train, have a simple meal with mother and father, and go to bed.” 

“Ha! Do you think Alpha Selene is going to let her only child not celebrate her twentieth birthday? Finally getting to connect with your Were spirit is a major turning point in your life, and it’s on the worm full moon no less. Don’t worry, I asked Annalise for an appropriate outfit that’s enchanted so it won’t get destroyed when you shift. Now, go and take a bath ya filthy animal.”